When it comes to international car shipping, unfortunately, many people choose international companies with blind folds on.  Like children playing with a piñata, when all the candy falls out, they grab the first piece of candy that falls to the ground. 

When googling for a car transporter, don’t chose the first company that pops up in your Google search engine …just because a car shipping company has high rankings in the search engines doesn’t mean that it offers quality service.   

A great way to rate an International car shipping company’s service is by reading the company reviews online.  Another great way to find out if a company is up to par is by asking the international shipping company for references from previous customers. 

Before explaining what door-to-door shipping is, let me explain what door-to-door shipping is not. Door-to-door shipping is not delivering your 2007 Honda Civic Sedan directly in front of your house on your newly paved wrap around driveway.    A truck driver needs adequate space in order to maneuver his truck.  If you live in an area with a lot of trees or very narrow streets, the truck driver will have to deliver your car at a nearby location.  

Many car shipping companies will tell you in advance if they will be unable to deliver directly in front of your house or apartment building, especially if they have delivered in your area in the past.  But if this is not the case and it is the first time that they’re delivering in your area, you will be notified by the carrier if they are not able to deliver your vehicle directly in front of your home.    

Tip: If you live in a residential area that doesn’t allow truck access, you may have to consider having your car delivered at a near by vacant parking area.  

There are several things to consider before getting your car shipped such as the car preparation basics (washing your car, removing personal items, checking your gas tank, etc) but there are a few more things that you should consider even beforehand.

Before signing the contract and making your initial deposit, make sure that you thoroughly read the contract and understand the car shipping company’s terms and conditions. If there is an item on the contract that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or drop an email for clarification. Every car shipper is different; therefore, you will want to make sure that you understand the car shipping company’s policies and procedures including their payment details. 

Tip: Make sure that you verify that the car shipping company that you are doing business with actually has a valid license.

If you are shipping your car on an open carrier during the week of Halloween, you will want to have adequate coverage because your car could get “egged” during transport.  If you’ve never experienced getting egged before, it can actually chip your paint.  So, make sure that the auto transport company you choose offers a full coverage insurance policy in case of any damages to your car.

On the day of delivery, if your car is damaged, you can feel confident about being covered because you have adequate insurance coverage. Your car shipping company should not have a problem reimbursing you for damages. But if they should happen to refuse reimbursement, you can simply file a report with the BBB.

Tip: On the day of pick-up, make sure that you receive a copy of your vehicle’s inspection report.  This report will state the condition of your vehicle such as current damages to your car such as nicks and scratches. You will want to keep this report with you for the day that your car is delivered. Also, make sure you thoroughly inspect your vehicle.

There are a few things to know when shipping your vehicle internationally.  In the US, most companies will request a deposit prior to shipping via credit card, bank check or cash and the remainder upon deliver.  With international shipping, things work slightly different when it comes to payments.  

The majority of international car shipping companies require payment in full prior to shipping. So, it is important that you know the exact amount it will cost you to ship your car overseas.  Although many international car shipping companies have competitive rates, it is usually at a much higher rate.  

Tip: To get the best rate for international shipping, contact at least 3 to 4 international car shipping companies.